The Benefits of Hardscaping
Hardscaping in Pittsburgh
It is often necessary to hardscape your yard before planning any soft landscaping design. But first, what exactly is hardscaping? Hardscaping refers to any hard materials such as stone, concrete, and wood that may be used to construct, driveways, walkways, retaining walls, and other such materials that alter the foundation of your yard.
Pittsburgh hardscaping can greatly enhance the look of your yard and can help direct attention to the beautiful softscaping components. In addition to the aesthetic pleasure, investing in hardscaping adds great value to your home and is long-lasting. Rarely will you ever have to replace a hardscape design.
Additional Advantage
Besides beautifying and increasing the value of your home, Pittsburgh hardscaping can help your grass and plants 
grow better. Ideally, you want to plant flowers in a location that holds moisture well, but that also drains well. Soil can’t be too wet or too dry if you want your plants to bloom robustly. Hard materials such as stone, rock, and concrete absorb heat from the sun and can dry soil near and under it. Wood mulch is best for ground cover around most plants, but there are some that can do well inside of a shell bed. Seashell is another form of hardscape material, and some plants can thrive in this environment. Sometimes the purpose of hardscaping then is to provide good draining and minimize runoff.
Hardscaping Tips
There should always be a balance of hard and soft materials such as mulch or bark, live plants and maybe a little turf. Too much hardscape can lead to a “heat island effect,” which is when surfaces that were once penetrable and moist are now water-resistant and dry, creating an island of higher temperature around the home. Planting shade trees is a viable solution to this problem. It is important to plan ahead for your landscaping project. Take the time to research your options and consult a professional when necessary. For lawn care and landscaping needs in the Pittsburgh area, call us at J Bird’s Landscaping. We understand the local climate and will help you form a landscaping design that will offer charm during all twelve months of the year, and in all the variable weather that the four seasons bring! We can be reached at 412-224-0639.
Author: Jay Nagy
Owner & Founded of J Bird's Landscaping. 18+ Years of experience in Pittsburgh lawn cutting, patio installation, trucking/hauling, French drain installation, and other landscape/design services.
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